8 Hidden Google Maps Tricks for Travel

Google Maps can do a lot more than just tell you when to turn left. We’ll let you in on the top hidden features and tricks for travel that will help you on your next adventure, whether it’s to the next state over or another country.

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Google Maps has a few tricks up its sleeve that you probably didn’t know about. Find out how to utilize this app to the fullest whenever and wherever you travel – your life won’t be the same after!

What did people even do before cell phones? Google Maps is a life-saver when navigating a new city. As helpful as it has been for you when traveling, you might be unaware of the application’s full potential! Any good traveler needs to be prepared and we’re here to help. Check out these Google Maps hidden features to help you along your next adventure.

List Feature

The list feature allows the user to save and keep track of certain locations to refer back to. The spots save directly into your maps so it’s easy to see them. Simply search the spot and click save to add it to your list.

If you’re going away to somewhere new, do your research on all of the trendy places to hit up, select everywhere you want to go on Google Maps and save them to your list. This way, you’ll be able to see the distance between each location and plan out your trip accordingly. Once you arrive, you’ll have a full itinerary and directions ready to go.

Share Location

Have you ever tried to meet up with a friend in a crowded, unfamiliar city? Between a series of phone calls and “Where are you??” texts, it can be a hassle. With the Google Maps Share your Location feature, you can simply choose the person(s) you wish to share your location with and select how long to share this information. You can also share your route, shown in real-time, with friends so they know exactly when to expect your arrival.

Add a Stop

Add some stops along your journey so that you can pick up a friend on the way, get some food at the new restaurant downtown and grab gas – all without having to re-enter the directions multiple times.

Enter in your first destination as normal, then tap the corner menu and click “Add Stop” to complete your multi-destination trip. Off you go!

Offline Areas

Before you go, take advantage of Wifi to download specific areas on Google Maps to save for later. This will allow you to navigate your way without any service once you arrive. Tap the corner menu, select Offline Areas, tap custom area and then drag the map to select the area you wish to download.

Pro Tip: The download usually requires over 100MB of space so be sure to delete all of those unused apps and random screenshots first.

Find Parking

The Find Parking feature is currently only available on the beta version of the Android phone. The feature will have parking availability (levels easy, medium or limited) appear for public destinations such as malls, airports, and other attractions. This feature will make it so much easier for users to find a parking spot in the area, beforehand. Here’s to hoping that this feature will eventually be rolled out to IOS, and soon!

Call Uber/Lyft

Within the Google Maps directions page, you can now select the ridesharing option to see the real-time location of current Uber and Lyft cars in the area. The best part is, you don’t need to have the Uber or Lyft app installed on your phone.You can even see the fare estimates and select to order a car without leaving the Google Maps app!

Your Timeline

Possibly the creepiest feature that Google has introduced, currently exclusively for Android phones, is the Timeline. By clicking the top corner menu and then Timeline, you can see every destination you’ve been, on which date and for how long.

If you can’t remember the name of that delicious restaurant you went to last year, here’s your solution!

Toilet Finder

Currently only available in India, users can use the search bar to see locations of the nearest toilets in gas stations, malls, hospitals and other establishments. If you’re in the cities of New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, Gurugram, Indore and Bhopal, you’re in luck and have access to this feature!

Be sure to take advantage of these Google Maps hidden features during your next trip. Want another helpful travel tip? We’re full of them. Use StudentUniverse to book cheap student flights and have access to cheap hotels across the globe. Happy traveling!

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